• A full 9 hour day tour encompasing the Atherton Tablelands and volcano craters.
• See the amazing Tablelands of Cairns see the incredible tropical wildlife including wild Platypus, Listen to the tropical birds singing and possible see a Mapee tree kangaroo
• During this full day tour take the opportunity to cool off in lake Eacham with a refreshing swim in this amazing extinct volcano crater  

This Cairns small group tour on the Atherton Tablelands has been put together for nature's lovers. Discover some amazing locations and wildlife including the Platypus, Australia's amazing shy mammal.

What To Expect 

Our Atherton Tablelands and Volcanic Crater Lakes tour from Cairns caters for small groups of up to 11 guests. Your professional wildlife tour guide for the day is more than passionate about his region and will share with you his awesome knowledge.

This small group day tour will make some 'forever' memories especially when you spot a Platypus in the wild just beyond Cairns city! You will be absolutely delighted with this small group Atherton Tablelands and Volcanic Crater Lakes tour!

Features & Highlights

Cairns Rainforest Tour Highlights

We visit the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree. An 800 year old relic of the flora kingdom. Learn about the intricate life story of the Giant Fig while enjoying the morning chorus. Over 120 birds can be found and heard in the area. Listen out for the infamous Victoria’s Riflebird and many other elusive creatures.

We continue on our way for a delicious lakeside lunch and some WILD Platypus spotting! We’re grateful that our continual interaction in the region has afforded us some great locations to sight these rare and unusual animals. During the heat of the day enjoy a pleasant swim or simply go exploring at Lake Eacham, often a highlight and a nice cool off.

Visit Malanda Conservation Park. The park is invaluable to the elusive Mapee (Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo) They are seen on a regular basis in this small patch of protected forest. Malanda falls is a beautiful photo opportunity on the walk and several other wildlife opportunities are available here, such as the Freshwater Snapping Turtle and the Grey-headed Robin

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go.

Sample Atherton Tablelands and Volcano Crater Tour Itinerary

7:30am – Pickup in Cairns
Begin the journey by ascending the panoramic Gillies Highway, where the landscape shifts dramatically from coastal lowlands to cool rainforest. Pause at Heales Lookout to take in far-reaching views over Goldsborough Valley.

8:45am – Lake Barrine
Arrive at one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most rewarding nature locations. Your guide will tailor a lakeside rainforest walk to your preferred pace—anything from a short 30-minute circuit to a more in-depth two-hour exploration. This is an excellent site for birdwatching and reptile sightings, including water dragons, eels, fish, and several Wet Tropics endemics. Enjoy locally brewed tea or coffee and the Tea House’s renowned scones with jam and cream. The lakefront outlook provides a memorable setting for morning tea and, if chosen, lunch.

11:30am – Yungaburra (Wild Platypus Viewing)
Continue to one of Australia’s most dependable wild platypus locations. Spend unhurried time learning about their behaviour and capturing photographs. A resident Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo family is also frequently observed here.

1:00pm – Lake Eacham
Cool off during the warmest part of the day with a swim in this extinct volcanic crater lake, surrounded by lush rainforest. For guests who prefer to remain on land, nearby nature walks and shaded rest areas provide an alternative.

2:00pm – Malanda Conservation Park
Explore a protected pocket of forest vital to the survival of the Mapee (Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo), which is regularly seen here. The path also reveals other wildlife, including freshwater snapping turtles and rainforest birds like the grey-headed robin. Malanda Falls offers an appealing photo stop.

3:00pm – Cathedral Fig Tree
Visit one of the region’s most extraordinary natural landmarks. This centuries-old fig tree is an impressive rainforest survivor, with a towering structure and a complex ecosystem woven through its roots and branches.

4:00pm – Depart the Tablelands
Begin the return trip to Cairns. If time allows, enjoy a relaxing stop at the Mountain View Hotel for a drink and river views or take a short detour through Gordonvale to see the historic Sugar Refinery.

5:00pm–5:30pm – Return to Cairns
Arrive back in Cairns and be dropped at your accommodation.

What's Unique About This Small Group Tour From Cairns?

More time in Nature: we have access to multiple nature walks to ensure the greatest outcome for nature observations.
Platypus: we have a 100% success rate, viewing wild Platypus at our viewing location. Often a Tree Kangaroo also!

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Cairns - 7:30am (approx) - Returning 5:00pm
• Northern Beaches - 8.00am - Returning 5:30pm

Pickup Locations

• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

Destinations

• Atherton Tablelands
• Lake Barrine
• Yungaburra
• Lake Eacham
• Malanda Conservation Park
• Cathedral Fig Tree

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Tuesday, Thursday

Duration

9 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Sun protection advised: hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, camera, water bottle. day pack for carrying personal items, towel and spare clothes for swimming and your enthusiasm!